The Call ProcessHow does a congregation discern the will of God in finding a rostered leader (Pastor, Diaconal Minister, Deaconess or Associate in Ministry) to help lead them in the mission to which God has called them? How does a rostered leader discern the will of God in finding a congregation who is searching for a leader with the gifts God has given him/her? These are the tasks of the Synod call process.

ELCA CongregationsYour time in prayerful discernment, perhaps under the guidance of an interim pastor, is to review the mission that God has for your congregation. This may include discovering a new purpose and guiding principles that will lead you into a new chapter of your life and work. As part of this discernment you will be asked to complete online a Mission Site Profile, MSP, which will help your congregation tell its story and remind it of the gifts God has given them. The MSP also serves as a way that you may be introduced to potential rostered leaders. Synod staff will guide you throughout the call process, so any time you are seeking a new rostered leader your first call is to your Synod office.

ELCA Pastors, Diaconal Ministers, Deaconesses, and Associates in MinistryYour time in prayerful discernment includes reviewing the gifts God has given you for mission. What bring you joy in ministry? What do you find challenging? If you are considering a new call your first step is to have a conversation with your Bishop or the Assistant to the Bishop. Either can help you in this discernment. To enter a call process you must complete online a Rostered Leader Profile, RLP. This serves as a summary of who you are as a pastor and how you believe God is calling you to serve. Once your RLP has been activated you can go to the ELCA website, www.elca.org/call, enter your personal information, and begin to look at congregations that have completed their MSPs and are seeking a rostered leader. A short paragraph is written about each one. If you are interested in serving in the Eastern Washington – Idaho Synod, check our monthly newsletter, “The Cross Connection” on this website, as well. Each congregation in a call process is listed. Because of clear partnership agreements, congregations and the Synod office work together in calling Pastors, Diaconal Ministers, Deaconesses and Associates in Ministry. Rostered persons who may be interested in any of this Synod’s mission sites shall contact the Synod office (S13.11.01) and not the congregation directly. The Bishop or Assistant can give you clear information about where each congregation is in the call process and answer your questions.

God’s blessings to you as you are about this careful work. Together we pray that God’s will is done and that the church continues to grow.

Rev. Mark J. Nelson,Coordinator for Regional Leadership, Region 1

Call Resources

Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Clergy: The Professional Ministry Committee of the Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod has met and updated the Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Clergy, for preparation during the years 2015-2016. Click here to download the 2017 guidelines.Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Pulpit Supply List:The Synod Office has prepared a list of persons who are willing to serve as Sunday supply pastors for vacation and sabbatical coverage in congregations. The Pulpit Supply List is updated often so please call the Synod office there are others who wish to be added.Pulpit Supply Fees:When a congregation engages the services of a pastor for pulpit supply, such as vacation or illness of a regularly called pastor, the following schedule is to be used to determine appropriate compensation: One Service: $110Two Services: $146 Each Additional Service: $40 Bible Study Class teaching, as a part of Sunday schedule: $62 per class Workshops, Lectures, Classes done at other times: As negotiated In addition, the congregation provides a travel reimbursement in the amount of $0.535 per mile for 2017. https://www.irs.gov/uac/2017-standard-mileage-rates-for-business-and-medical-and-moving-announced

Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Parsonage Guidelines:These are the suggestedguidelinesfor congregations with a parsonage. The guidelines can be used by both pastor and congregation to discuss the maintenance, repair and responsibilities relative to a church owned home.